From the lows of the “fixed” game against Barcelona in 2009 to the highs of Munich and Porto in 2012 and 2021; The Champions League has been and will always be an integral part of Chelsea Football Club.
The sacking of Thomas Tuchel had come as a shock to many despite winning despite a shaky start to the early group stage.
Graham Potter took on responsibilities and attempted to continue Chelsea’s impeccable reputation in Europe’s prestige competition.
The Blues had finished the group strongly beating AC Milan home and away before being condemned to a 1-0 loss away at Dortmund, being left with plenty to do if they were to remain in Europe.
There are numerous reasons for Chelsea to succeed in the Champions League this season; financially, managerially and for the squad, all as equally important.
Chelsea’s form under Potter has been questionable over the last couple of months but it was the performances against Milan, Salzburg and in the first leg against Dortmund that caught the eye and could suggest the return leg at the Bridge to be slightly more interesting.
Potter will want to get a result that would momentarily stop questions being asked about his team’s mentality and against a team that hasn’t lost in 2023 on top of having multiple absentees it would be the perfect time for a second-leg comeback.
It is notable that despite the larger-sized squad there would be some players that would have to miss out on the European squad.
Benoit Badiashile and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are just two players that were left out of the squad to allow for new January signings to be included.
The Champions League has always been important due to its financial benefits allowing the club to carry on its ruthless buying spree of world-class talent.
Without success in the competition, the attraction to the club from some of the biggest and most well-known players across the continent and the world may be lost.
Most importantly the competition is imperative for the fans, from the 4-4 against Liverpool to Fernando Torres’ runaway goal at Camp Nou, the tournament will always be a part of the fans and the club.
With the league position many believe this is the last opportunity for the Blues to salvage something from this season and under the bright lights of the Bridge, there is very much still hope that they can turn it around.
Team Prediction: Kepa; Chilwell, Koulibaly, Fofana, Chalobah, Loftus-Cheek; Zakaria, Fernandez; Sterling, Felix, Havertz.
Score Prediction: 2-0 Chelsea
Written by James Logan (@Prof_JLO)
Edited by Tom Coley (@tomcoley49)
Follow us on: